Fujitsu uses modulated RGB LEDs to transmit data readable by mobile devices

 
Japan’s Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd has announced the development of a technology that permits solid-state lighting products to transmit data to mobile phones and tablets using RGB (red, green, blue) LEDs. The technology is designed specifically for solid-state lighting products that will museum exhibits or retail products to allow users to pick data about the object using the mobile device’s camera.
 
Several other companies have attempted to deliver computer data using the modulation of white LEDs in the same manner that Wi-FI is broadcasted in the RF spectrum; however, Fujistu’s solution is reliant on the user directing his/her phone camera at the specific object and receiving data from the light reflecting off the object.

Fujitsu claims that the technology’s application is broad, highlighting an example in which concert goers could obtain information on what song was being sung by merely pointing their camera in the direction of the light. Theoretically, the LED’s application is scalable, as increasing the number of LEDs will increase the surface area of the illumination, which in turn, creates a greater surface area from which to draw data.

Maury Wright, the editor-in-chief of LEDs magazine, states that it’s unclear with Fujitsu requires RGB LEDs as oppose to simply modulating phosphor-converted white LEDs. He suggests that the reason may be attributed to cameras having much more difficulty detecting light reflecting off of an object as all objects absorb some of the light reflected off of them. 

Fujitsu will commercialize the technology in 2015.

Via: Fujitsu/LEDsmagazine